The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G wouldn’t be possible without the wonderful group of volunteers who commit themselves to making the tournament one of the best stops on the LPGA tour. Each month, we’ll be highlighting a different volunteer chairman for a behind the scenes look at what it takes to run a world-class golf event, as well as get to know some of the hardworking volunteers who return year after year to the #NWAChampionship!

First up is John Doughty—Transportation Committee Chairman. John’s committee works long, tireless hours throughout tournament week to make sure the LPGA players, volunteers and tournament staff have transportation to wherever they need to go, throughout Pinnacle Country Club and beyond. His easy-going attitude and positive demeanor makes working with him a pleasure. John is a great example of the dedication the tournament receives from our hundreds of volunteers—he travels from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to volunteer his time each summer. We are so grateful for him and the volunteers that work by his side! 

John Doughty, Transportation Committee Chairman

How long have you been volunteering? 

7 years

How did you get started? 

In 2005 and 2006, I was concessions volunteer at [an LPGA tournament held at] Cedar Ridge Country Club in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. In 2007, a friend asked if I would be interested in the Transportation Committee.  I met Jane Baker, Committee Chairperson, and I was hooked.  I volunteered again in 2008. Jane began Chairing the transportation committee at the NWA Championship, held at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers, Arkansas, and asked me to help her. I started helping her (volunteering) in 2010 at Pinnacle and have volunteered every year since.  In 2014, Jane asked me to Chair the Transportation Committee and I accepted.

Tell us about your committee and what your role is. 

The Transportation Committee is responsible for shuttling LPGA players and caddies to and from their hotels or residences, shuttle volunteers to and from their respectful places on the golf course, and assigning and retrieving courtesy vehicle’s to LPGA players and various Tournament Executives.  As Chairperson of the Transportation Committee, I coordinate approximately 45 volunteers over three shifts per day during tournament week to accomplish the aforementioned duties.

What do you think is most surprising or unexpected about putting on a golf tournament of this magnitude?   

You never know what the surprise or unexpected is going to be from moment to moment and from day to day, and you face it and handle it as it comes.

What is your favorite part about tournament week? 

Seeing and reminiscing with the returning players and caddies from year to year.

Do you have any favorite memories from over the years? 

Some years, when shuttling players to and from the hotel, it seemed as though I served as a personal chauffeur to a few players.  Every time they needed a ride, It was my turn in rotation to drive.  By this happening, we have become good friends.

If you could do any other volunteer position, what would it be?   

Transportation Committee!!!